On the evening of October 17, 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing met with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit at the Grand Palace of Bankok. Both sides expressed their satisfaction over the development of bilateral relations.

 

Hu said China and Thailand are close neighbors and trustworthy friends, and have established brotherly relations in the past on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust. The brotherly relations have endured the test of time and changes in international situation, and have become even deeper, stronger and more vigorous.

 

Hu spoke highly of the contributions that the King and other royal family members have made to promote the Sino-Thai friendship and the mutual understanding between the two peoples. He said that to develop friendly relations is not only a set policy of our two governments, but also a common wish of the people of our two countries. The new generation of Chinese leadership will follow the principle of treating neighbors as friends and partners, and work with the Thai side so that our bilateral relations can grow to higher levels.

 

King Bhumibol Adulyadej said that Thailand and China have enjoyed friendship since ancient times, and that the two nations and the two peoples are enjoying even closer and more sincere ties than any time in the past. The King said he believed that Hu's visit will further consolidate friendship and cooperation between the two states.

 

Following the meeting, Hu and his wife attended a welcome banquet hosted by the King and Queen.

 

On the same day, Hu met with President Uthai Pimchaichon of the Thai National Assembly.

 

Hu said the development of the bilateral relations keeps very good momentum. The two countries share no problems left over by history nor conflict concerning realistic interest, so they can cooperate with each other, which is precious in countries' relations. China and Thailand are good neighbors, sound friends and fine partners. China is willing to work hard with Thailand to continuously deepen all-round cooperation between the two countries.

 

When talking about the communication between the two countries' legislation institutions, Hu said that to intensify exchanges between the legislatures of China and Thailand will be conducive to the mutual understanding and long-term friendship of the two peoples. China welcomes friends from Thai legislatures, especially friends of the younger generation to come to China for visits, so as to push forward the development of the two countries relationship.

 

Uthai said that the Chinese people and the Thailand people should be like family. As the friendship of the two countries develops, the exchanges among various levels of the legislatures of the two sides also strengthened. Thai National Assembly will work hard as before to enhance the two peoples' mutual understanding and the friendly cooperation.